Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Meet Angus...


As promised, this is the new puppy. His name is Angus.
 
 
I think he looks like a little fox.
 
He's pretty quiet for the most part. I think it will take a few days for him to get adjusted to his new home and family.
 

Hollie isn't quite sure what to think of him yet. She just thinks it's her job to guard me at all times from this new little creature...
 

 
...even when I'm sitting in a chair. She's nowhere near what you would call a lap dog, but you could never convince her of that. She just likes to make sure she is protecting me at all times. One can't be too safe, you know!
 
 
Silly Hollie! Can you imagine needing protection from this sweet little baby?
 
 

Blessings,
Julie

Monday, February 18, 2013

Another Hazzardous Weather Advisory...

Snow, snow, and more snow....
 

 
This weekend has been a blizzard!
The winds have been blowing up to 37 mph., and
the temperatures have been in the teens
Just one of the many perks of living in Northern Maine.
I wouldn't change living here, though.
 
 
The beauty of winter is so extraordinary! So, instead of dwelling on the fact that it's cold, and lasts between 6 - 8 months, I choose to celebrate it!
 
 
This is the little village where we live.
 There's maybe about 40 people in all that live here.
 
 
 
 
 
 On our way back from town on Saturday, my husband and I came across some kids cleaning some snow off the ice so they could enjoy a bit of skating.
I just love this...no tv, to computer, no video games or cell phones. Just good old fashioned fun!
 
 
 
 
This is the snowmobile trail. The railroad used to run through here, but when the trains stopped coming up this way, they pulled up the tracks and it became a great trail for snowsledders, atv's and bikers.
 
 
No matter where, or how far you roam....
 
 
All roads take you back home.
 
May God's love keep you safe and warm during these cold winter days.
 
Blessings,
Julie


Friday, February 15, 2013

A Snowshoeing Kind of Day...


 
 


 
 
 
 
I love snowshoeing...
The sound of the snow crunching beneath you,
the wind blowing through the trees,
the snow melting in the pines,
and the beauty that surrounds you.
 
There is nothing like it. If you haven't tried it, you should. It doesn't take any special skill, and it's a great way to get some exercise. I pretty much stay inside all winter, so for me it's a great way to breathe some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

I spent Tuesday afternoon snowshoeing with Hollie and had so much fun, I decided to go again on Wednesday.
This time I went with my sister and our friend, Marrianne.


Marrianne lives in a beautiful log cabin set way back in the woods. It's the perfect place for snowshoeing.

 
 
 
We stopped by Marrianne's son's cabin to say hello. He lives even further in the woods than she does.
 
 
 
 
We found an animals den. Just glad it didn't belong to a bear!
 
 
We finally made it back!
 
 
 
Time to sit by the fire and enjoy a little snack, a cup of tea and the company of good friends.
 
 
Marrianne is quite a crafty lady. She showed Robin and I some of the projects she has been working on. In the above picture they are looking at some rug hooking patterns. Something I want to try someday.
 
 
This is the wool rug she is braiding. I LOVE IT!
 
Here are a few more pictures from Marrianne's beautiful cabin in the woods.
 
 
 
 
 
I hope you are all enjoying winter in whatever part of the world you live in.
 
Blessings,
Julie
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, February 11, 2013

Happy Monday....

What do you do when it's snowing and blowing outside?
 

 

 
If it's not already obvious....we cook!
My husband and I love spending our weekends cooking together and sharing it with those we love.
 
Blueberry & Lemon Sweet Rolls
Chocolate Truffle Cake with Buttercream Frosting
topped with Coconut
Partridge Stew
&
Sweet Potato Biscuits
 
This was our Sunday dinner. Notice I put the dessert first? I had to do a little taste test when the sweet rolls and cake came out of the oven. LOL!
I love dessert!
 
 We had my sister and her family over for dinner. It was such a nice time. She even brought her boxer over, so he could visit with ours. Everyone needs a friend, right?
 
We have lots of leftovers! Anyone interested?
 
The sweet rolls are from a new recipe I got from The Pioneer Woman's Blog. They looked so good, I just had to try them.
If you would like the recipe, you can find it here.
I will warn you though....it makes a very large batch!
 
I hope you are all doing well on this lovely day and that you are staying warm.
 
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your comments. I love reading them!
 
Blessings,
Julie
 
 
 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I'M BACK!

I'm back, I'm back, oh my gosh, I'm back!!!!!
You'll have to forgive me for my unexpected absence. You see, my computer caught a bit of a bug and needed some TLC.
 
I do have a kindle, but blogging just wouldn't have been easy for me on that. I'm so glad you waited for me! Thank you to all of you who have checked in on me. You are so kind!! I love all my new friends and followers that I would never have otherwise met, had I not started blogging.
 
Life has certainly kept us busy here since we last gathered. Do you remember the dog my son brought home one day, unbeknownst to me? Well, until I woke up early one morning that is, and he greeted me at the bottom of the stairs.
 
 
He's the one one the right. Well, poor little Seamus was struck by a vehicle while visiting at a friends house with our son. It was a very sad day for all of us, but most especially our son.
Being the type of person he is, Matthew needed to get a new puppy right away. This is a picture that was sent to us by the people he is buying the new puppy from.
 
 
His name is yet to be determined. He is a husky/shepard mix. I just want to cuddle him all up and smell his puppy breath! Matthew is going to pick him up this weekend. I'll be sure to post some more pics then.
I wonder what Hollie is going to think of a new puppy? She is so used to being the queen here. LOL!
 
I have also been busy making infinity scarves for a few friends and relatives that have placed orders with me. (Sorry, but I didn't take any pictures!) I crochet them. I do knit, but it's not really my thing. I like something that goes a bit quicker and crocheting does that for me. Time is never on anyones side, so the more I can save, the better!
 
My days have also been kept busy with the grandkids. They are at such a busy age now. Our grandson, Dillyn will turn 7 next week.  Piper will celebrate her 4th birthday in May, and in June we will be welcoming a new little one to the family. Where does the time go?
 They are so much fun!
 
 
Don't these NACHOS look delicious? My husband makes these every now and again. They are so quick and easy to make.
 
 
 
First you brown some ground beef or turkey in a pan, whichever you like best. Then once it's browned add some taco seasoning and a bit of water. I don't measure, it's just a taste thing. 
 
 
While, the ground beef is cooking, I fill a cookie sheet with scoops. Once the beef is cooked I use a small spoon to fill each one of the scoops up with the meat mixture. 

 
Then I add some refried beans, bacon bits, black olives and some shredded taco blend cheese.
 
 
Bake it at 350* until the cheese is all melted.
 
 
Serve it topped with salsa and sour cream.  You can also add shredded lettuce if you like. YUM!
 
Well, I do want to thank you again for visiting my little blog and listening to me ramble on, but it has been a while, hasn't it?
 
I also want to thank all of my new followers and encourage you to leave comments. I love hearing from you.
 
Blessings,
Julie  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Potager Garden

Good morning folks! It's another cool rainy day, here in Northern Maine. Our long winter has turned into a long, cold spring. Let's...